People with disabilities and cancer screenings

[bluebutterfly2222]

This is an informational post.

A loved one of mine was diagnosed with breast cancer after 3 years had passed between mammograms, in large part because of attitudinal and physical barriers to access to health care for people with disabilities. In the case of some very aggressive types of cancer, such a delay could make the difference between life and death!

Therefore, I was shocked and angered to read in a recent Lancet article that, "There are (also) inequalities in health promotion. For example, in the USA, women who have major difficulties in walking are 40% less likely to be screened for cervical cancer and 30% less likely to have a mammogram for breast cancer screening compared with other women."

"The interaction between disability and health is complex, with each having an effect on the other. It is time to dismantle professional barriers and galvanise health-care providers and the disability community into action. Attitudes towards the health of disabled people must change, to enable equitable access to health-care services. Doctors should tackle comorbidities head on, instead of focusing on the disability during consultations. Education—of undergraduates and in continuing professional development—can go some way to tackle the low expectations towards the health of disabled people.

Using the concept of universal design, physical barriers to accessing health-care facilities can be eased. Appropriate support should be provided during health-care interactions—for example, a sign language interpreter for an individual with hearing impairment. Providing care with respect and dignity throughout is paramount.
  
People with disabilities face many challenges on a daily basis; the right to achieve the highest standard of health—without discrimination—should not be one of them."

I  urge people with disabilities to INSIST upon being referred for regular cancer screenings if their  doctors fail to recommend them, and to complain to the disability compliance officer, the executive director, or if necessary, the board of directors of any doctors' office, clinic, or hospital that has physical or attitudinal barriers to  access to screening services (and, of course, treatment if this turns out to be needed). If all else fails, lawsuits can be filed under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Thanks for listening,
bluebutterfly2222

[bluebutterfly2222]

My thanks to all of you for supporting me on my soapbox, and helping to spread the word about this sad state of affairs!

♥♥,
bb

[ncmichigan]

Thanks, bb, for sharing this information. It would seem that people with disabilities would get screening recommendations on a more regular basis  non-disabled, since they would have more contact with medical professionals than others. The fact that their needs for screening are often overlooked is just wrong! I know you're an advocate for your sister, but it's sad to think other women might not have someone like you to look out for them. This is a good message to get out to all women, so they can advocate for a loved one if needed.
As always, I'm wishing the best for you and your sister.
hugs♥
nc

[SueYoung55]

What a sad state of affairs.

You're right, people with disabilities should have referrals for screenings! And depending on the disability, they must or we must advocate for them to get these screenings if referrals are not offered by their physicians.

This is a conversation we can share with friends and family.

You're a good Sister :)

[zouzi]

And thank you bb, you for printing this important information...
It's unthinkable that people with disabilities have less access to health care!
All the best to you and your loved one.:)